Curtin Malaysia braces for enrollment boom, driving bold new campus development and research initiatives

Miri, Sarawak – 31 October 2024 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) is preparing to embark on an ambitious expansion, expecting to welcome thousands more students following the 2026 implementation of Sarawak’s free tertiary education policy. Projected enrolments could reach around 5,000 by 2027, pushing the university to rapidly accelerate infrastructure development, expand faculty, and enhance facilities, according to Pro-Chancellor Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam.

Dr. Chan, speaking at a press conference following Curtin Malaysia’s recent Council Meeting, emphasised the university’s readiness to support Sarawak’s evolving educational landscape. “This is a transformative moment not only for Curtin Malaysia but for Sarawak as a whole,” said Dr. Chan. “We are prioritising innovative approaches and enhanced facilities to accommodate this growth, with a focus on integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence into our academic programmes.”

“We are also gearing up to support an influx of new students, many of whom may be first-generation university attendees. Our focus is on delivering an education that not only meets industry demands but also advances Sarawak’s development priorities, particularly in digital and technological fields,” he added.

Present at the press conference were members of Curtin Malaysia’s leadership, including Sarawak Transport Minister and Curtin Malaysia Management Committee Chair, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Vincent Lee representing Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Professor Simon Leunig; Chief Operating Officer Sharon Chong; and several deans and executives who are driving this next phase of Curtin Malaysia’s development.

Professor Lee highlighted that Curtin Malaysia, initially a teaching-focused institution, is evolving into a research-intensive university after 25 years. This shift has resulted in notable research achievements, earning Curtin Malaysia a five-star MYRA rating, with aspirations to reach six stars by 2026.

“This transition is part of our mission to create a dynamic learning environment where research and teaching are deeply interwoven. Our research agenda directly supports our teaching, producing graduates equipped to lead in their fields,” Professor Lee noted. This commitment underscores Curtin Malaysia’s goal of becoming a top research-intensive university in the region.

In alignment with Sarawak’s free education policy, Professor Lee stated that up to 80 per cent of Curtin Malaysia’s courses will be covered under the initiative, reinforcing its commitment to making quality education accessible.

Dr. Fidella Tiew, Dean of Curtin Malaysia’s School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE), added that the school is expanding its focus on English language programmes and international student opportunities, including launching new diplomas in fields like cybersecurity, healthcare, and health sciences, creating pathways that align with Sarawak’s growing needs and inviting more international students.

The Faculty of Engineering and Science, led by Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, continues to advance research in key areas such as energy, environmental studies, and data analytics, supporting breakthroughs that have far-reaching implications. Meanwhile, Professor Pauline Ho, Dean of Business, emphasised her faculty’s efforts to support Sarawak’s digital economy by introducing courses in audit analytics and accounting.

Curtin Malaysia is also establishing itself as a beacon of teaching excellence. Professor Tang Fu Ee, Dean of Learning and Teaching, highlighted Curtin Malaysia’s achievement of having one of the highest numbers of fellows in the AdvancedHE in Malaysia. “This recognition underscores our dedication to delivering a world-class learning experience,” Professor Tang said.

John Curtin Distinguished Professor Ramasamy Nagarajan, Dean of Research and Development, commented that Curtin Malaysia is amplifying its research infrastructure, including a cutting-edge Aquaculture Research Lab focused on enhancing fish quality, supporting local farmers, and protecting endangered species, as well as the Centre of New and Sustainable Energy Research and Ventures (CONSERV), designed to meet the growing demand for specialised talent in the energy sector, particularly in hydrogen technology, a key focus of Sarawak’s sustainable energy transition.

“Our research initiatives don’t just support our teaching but also directly benefit Sarawak’s communities and industries,” he added.

Thus, Curtin Malaysia is moving full steam ahead, positioning itself as a major educational and research hub in Borneo, and strengthening its commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible education that aligns with the region’s needs and aspirations.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Pro-Chancellor Dr. George Chan (third from right), Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Vincent Lee, COO Sharon Chong, and others at Curtin Malaysia’s recent Council Meeting